Recognition by the City's Landmarks Preservation Commission of the architectural significance of certain buildings or groups of buildings. Conveys protection from destruction or uncharacteristic alteration.

On June 23, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Prospect Heights Historic District. With approximately 850 buildings, the new district is the largest created in over twenty years, and ranks as the fifth largest historic district in New York City overall. “Prospect Heights is among Brooklyn’s most distinguished, cohesive neighborhoods because of its architectural integrity and diversity, scale, tree-lined streets and residential character,” said LPC Chairman Tierney. “These features lend the neighborhood its unique sense of place, making it a natural for historic district status.”

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission is in the process of preparing the designation report for the proposed Prospect Heights Historic District. Owners of buildings within the district's study area have received (or will receive shortly) descriptions of their properties. After designation, the building description will serve as the baseline against which all future changes to the exterior of the property will be evaluated by LPC.

This week in The Times' City Room Blog, Simeon Bankoff, the executive director of the Historic Districts Council is answering readers' questions about historic preservation and rezoning in New York City. You can post a question by visiting the City Room Blog.

The March 2009 PHNDC general meeting will be open to the public so community members interested in finding out more about PHNDC's current projects will have an opportunity to hear updates and ask questions.

On January 24, the popular PBS television program "This Old House" will feature the renovation of a Prospect Heights brownstone. The house, located on Sterling Place between Underhill Avenue and Washington Avenue, was built in 1905 and is being completely remodeled by its present owners, Karen Shen and Kevin Costello.